The Region of the Aude.
The Aude, which is in the Languedoc region of France,
offers a full range of activities and varied locations
for you to explore.
Most famous is UNESCO's World Heritage Site, La Cité de
Carcassonne. With ramparts dating back to the 12th
century this medieval walled fortress is the second most
visited tourist attraction in France. This magnificent
restoration completed in the 19th century, lived in to
this day, has a maze of cobbled streets for you to
explore. This is the spot where the author Kate Mosse
has set her recent historical thriller, Labyrinth.
Carcassonne and its 17th century New Town below La Cité
offers a wealth of intriguing shops to browse and bars
for you to sit and watch the world go by.
On July 14th,
Bastille Day, Carcassonne presents the most spectacular
firework display in Europe, with La Cité as its
backdrop.
The Aude region is noted for its breathtaking castles
dating from before the Middle Ages, including Montsegur
and others associated with the Albigensian Crusade
against the Cathars.
Closeby the Canal du Midi is enjoyed by boating and
cycling enthusiasts as they coast along its shady
towpaths under the immense plane trees that line its
banks. Starting at Agde on the coast it stretches all
the way to Toulouse.
The interesting towns of Mirepoix, with its ancient
arcades and lively market, Limoux, another pretty town
on the River Aude, source of the sparkling Blanquette
wine are all within 20 kilometres. Castelnaudary, home
of the famous dish Cassoulet, is also noted for its
inland harbour on the Canal du Midi. Bram one of the
larger circular villages has a busy weekly market for
all your delicious fresh food.
For wine lovers this region offers a diverse selection
from the Malepere, Corbieres, Cabardes and the Minervois,
all wines of the Languedoc waiting to be discovered and
enjoyed.
Further afield are bustling international Toulouse,
inland astride the River Garonne, with its aerospace
museum, art galleries, noted architecture, opera house
and historic churches.
Not far away, on the Mediterranean coast, the
picturesque seaside towns of Collioure, made famous by
Picasso amongst others, Cap d'Agde, a Greek and
Phoenician port and Sete, all with their wealth of
seafood restaurants and glorious beaches.
The Spanish border is a mere two hours away so a full
day can be enjoyed on the Costa Brava. The mini state
of Andorra is easily reached south of Toulouse and is
popular not only for its skiing but its duty-free shops.
A
visit to Norman Foster's spectacular new bridge at
Millau, taller than the Eiffel Tower, fully justifies
the journey.
Activities
Golf
Carcassonne has an international standard 18 hole golf
course, Toulouse likewise.
Skiing
1
hr's drive to the slopes of the Pyrenees.
Walking
From
the front door of Le Chateau there are many well
signposted walks
from an easy stroll to a more strenuous hike. The
surrounding area has a variety of walks. The Pyrenees
for glorious mountain walks/hiking are within an hours
drive.
Cycling
A
French passion. Wonderfully quiet roads, a cyclist's
paradise. Cycle hire available on request.
Horse Riding
Closeby stables offering riding for all abilities.
Angling
Peaceful lakes nearby.
Canoeing
White water rafting on the Aude.
Tennis
Courts for hire locally
|
